THE State Labor Government is continuing to eradicate country and provincial racing in Queensland, with the recent loss of the Annual Race Day meeting at McKinlay in North Queensland, organised by the McKinlay Race Club.

Shadow Minister for Racing, Mr Ray Stevens said today that he is appalled at the decision to eradicate, with no justification, country and provincial racing in Queensland when they are the life blood of rural and remote communities.

 

“The decision to cut back the Townsville Amateurs Race Cup meeting and now the McKinley Annual Race Day is continuing the Labor Party’s policy of reducing country and provincial racing to being non existent.

“This is an absolutely dictatorial move by the Government to destroy racing in rural and remote communities.

“The State Labor Government will make up any excuse to disband these race meetings and Queensland Racing is enforcing them with no substantial justification for their actions.

“With the excuse of minor auditor requirements not being adhered to, this nit picking is no excuse to shut down the biggest race day of the year for the people of McKinlay and surrounds.

“If the Government continues to punish rural and regional racing there will be no industry left.

“Industry stakeholders believe that within 2 years, 90% of race clubs in Queensland will be closed under this present administration.

“Country and provincial racing is the most important activity for these local communities and they should be protected.

“I call on the Government and the Minister for Racing to take control and prevent this destruction of country and provincial racing in Queensland”, Mr Stevens concluded.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM Shadow Racing Minister Ray Stevens

Media Contact: Mr Ray Stevens MP on 0417 750 503